Choosing the perfect band for weddings

Choosing the right band, whether its a swing band or a general party band, can make all the difference in the tone and mood of your wedding entertainment. From soft ballads during the dinner service, to rockin’ live music for the after-dinner dance party, choosing the right band for your wedding reception needn’t be a daunting task. The key is finding a professional band that is experienced performing at wedding receptions, is diverse enough to accommodate a wide range of musical selections, is willing to work with you in song selection, is efficient, professional and reliable service…and most of all turns up on the day with a smile and produces a great sound!

It takes more than just a great band to pull off a successful wedding. Not only will your wedding band  provide the live music entertainment you seek, but they will often times act as emcee in introducing the wedding party and turning your guests attention toward particular highlights of the evening, such as the newly married couple’s first dance, father/daughter dance, and any special requests.(Even announcing the buffet!)

Because your wedding music is so important, great care and consideration should be placed in choosing the right band. When contacting different bands you should have several goals in mind. You want to know something about the band, the musicians, their history and level of experience performing at weddings, the general style of music they play, how they dress, and of course the logistics… rates, packages, options, availability, etc….

Of course, one of the most important factors in choosing a wedding band or orchestra is their sound. A lot of the top bands do not play public performances but a good band should be able to provide you with a live music sample or live showcase video performances on their website.

Get the budget right

A lot of couples start by booking the wedding dress/suits, venue, catering, flowers etc. and then use the remaining budget for the band, which means the decision is sometimes made on price. Yet since providing good or bad quality entertainment for you and your guests can make or break the evening, its important to put as much emphasis on the band’s budget as you would on any other part of the event, otherwise you may be disappointed on the day.

With wedding party bands it is definitely a case of you get what you pay for. Although more expensive is not necessarily better, this is the one day you need to be certain that the entertainment is the best for you and your guests and that the band can help make it a night to remember. Some key points to consider:

• If you choose a band on price, then you may be disappointed. Professional bands do cost more because they pay good rates to professional musicians, have top quality equipment and insurance, give better service and have a great repertoire. The best bands do charge more, because apart from a better level of service and attention to detail, in most cases they are more practised, have better quality musical arrangements and simply sound better!
• Choose a professional Band with experience of performing at weddings, who take the time to understand what you require before you book them.Talk through your plan with the bandleader first.
• Look for video and audio examples along with pictures. An established group should have their music on their website and references from previous clients available for you to view.
• A song list is important and helps to give you an idea of what style the Swing Band play.
• Contracts and booking. Once you have found your ideal Swing Band, it is important for both yourselves and the artists to have an agreement in writing. Established artists should be able to send you a contract, so make sure you have an agreement that covers these points:
  • Date
  • Venue
  • Arrival time for artists and time they should be finished setting up.
  • Performance times, length of sets, how many
  • Can the artists provide recorded music during their breaks / is this required?
  • What equipment do the artists provide? (Sound system, lighting)
  • Artist’s performance area requirements (stage size, power supply, dressing room, storage for cases etc, meals and or drinks)
  • Total fee including all extras. Also how and when this will be paid.
  • Artists equipment and public liability insurance
  • It is always imperative to have the whole agreement written down so both you and the artists know what to expect. The last thing you want is a nasty surprise on your special day!

Great entertainment can make or break an event, and be one of the things that people talk about for years to come. Whoever you chose (and of course I hope you choose us!) I hope this helps in your selection process, and mostly that this helps you to enjoy finding and booking the perfect Band for your event.